NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES - MARCH 27: Nashville police block the entrance of the Covenant School, a Presbyterian school associated with a church after three children and three adults were gunned down in Nashville, Tennessee, United States on March 27, 2023. The heavily armed female shooter was killed during a shootout with a five-member police team that engaged her on the second floor of the private Christian elementary school, authorities said. (Photo by Benjamin Hendren/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Shocking surveillance video seemingly shows Nashville school shooter Audrey Hale stalking school hallways and armed with two assault rifles, shortly after reportedly sending a friend a chilling “suicide note” claiming “I’m planning to die today.”
Hale, 28, who killed three children and three adults at the Covenant School in Monday’s attack, had reportedly messaged a friend and former middle school basketball teammate Averianna Patton on Instagram earlier Monday morning, according to NewsChannel 5.
“So basically that post I made on here about you, that was basically a suicide note. I’m planning to die today,” Hale reportedly wrote, using the name Aiden, in alleged messages Patton provided the outlet. “THIS IS NOT A JOKE!!!” wrote Hale reportedly, who identified as transgender. “You’ll probably hear about me on the news after I die.”
Hale reportedly then added: “This is my last goodbye. I love you … See you again in another life.” She signed the note “Audrey (Aiden).
“Audrey! You have so much more life to live. I pray God keeps and covers you,” Patton said she replied.
In response, Hale wrote: “I know but I don’t want to live. I’m so sorry. I’m not trying to upset you or get attention. I just need to die. I wanted to tell you first because you are the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen and known all my life.”
Hale went on to write: “My family doesn’t know what I’m about to do. One day this will make more sense. I’ve left more than enough evidence behind. But something bad is about to happen.”
Just minutes later, Hale could be seen on CCTV video shooting out the front doors of the private Christian academy, before entering the school while armed with two assault rifles and a handgun.
The footage shows as Hale stalks the hallways of the school, moments before gunning down three 9-year-olds and three school staffers before being fatally shot by police just before 10:30 a.m., 14 minutes after authorities got a call regarding an active shooter.
“I tried to comfort and encourage her and subsequently reached out to the Suicide Prevention Help Line after being instructed to by my father at 10:08 a.m.,” Patton told NewsChannel 5.
Patton continued: “Audrey has shared with others that she had been suicidal in the past and I knew to take this serious [sic].”
Hale’s friend also told the outlet that she had called the Nashville Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, however she was told to call Nashville’s non-emergency number instead, where she was kept on hold for almost seven minutes before she could speak to someone.
“I called Nashville’s non-emergency line at 10:14 a.m. and was on hold for nearly seven minutes before speaking with someone who said that they would send an officer to my home. An officer did not come to my home until 3:29 p.m.,” Patton told the station.
Patton added: “After phone calls from friends and Audrey’s name was released as the shooter at Covenant Nashville school, I learned that Audrey was the shooter and that she had reached out to me prior to the shooting.”
“My heart is with all of the families affected and I’m devastated by what has happened,” Patton added.
Hale, who was a former student at the Christian academy, may have had a grudge against the school, authorities say. Police said she left behind a manifesto and a map that she used to plan the massacre.
Meanwhile, an exact motive has yet to be revealed as of Tuesday.
The victims have since been identified as 9-year-olds Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and Williams Kinney, custodian Mike Hill, 61, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61, and school headmaster Katherine Koonce, 60, officials said.
On Tuesday, the White House hoisted the flag at half-mast in honor of the victims.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
